The Nation Newspaper

Tag: endorsement

  • Orji Kalu’s endorsement of Aregbesola

    Reports filtered through a few days ago in all the major newspapers across the country that former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu broke with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to endorse Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of State of Osun for a second term in office. Kalu is a respected political actor who served two terms as Abia governor between 1999 and 2007.

    His visit to State of Osun coincided with two major political events in the state.

    First, it was the day his political party, the PDP, conducted primary election for its governorship aspirants in the state: namely, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi a former Minister of Youth Development and Honourable Wole Oke former chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence. Earlier, Senator Adeleke, the first governor of Osun had withdrawn from the race with a proviso: “I don’t want the blood of my political supporters to be shared because of my governorship ambition.”

    The Senator alleged that he and his supporters were thoroughly beaten by the thugs of Senator Omisore and those of the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan. “There is a likelihood of a breakdown of law and order if I participate in the primary election. Therefore, I am announcing that I will boycott tomorrow’s primary. Why should I allow somebody possessed by the devil to waste the lives of our people because I want to be a governor?

    “A minister has continued to threaten that he would waste so many lives in the primary. I am boycotting the primary; I will participate when our party decides to conduct a free, fair and violence-free primary. But I will work for the success of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.” Senator Isiaka Adeleke has a reason to be circumspect for not letting down his guides.

    The PDP candidate in Osun, Omisore has yet to explain satisfactorily to the people of Osun state and Nigerians at large, his alleged involvement in the murder of Chief Bola Ige, then Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. If he did, it’s likely that Nigerians are not satisfied with his explanations, even though he has been exonerated by the courts.

    Kalu may have been disenchanted by the PDP’s inordinate strive for bloodcurdling politics. He sees in Ogbeni a model of civil political buffer and a transformational figure whose commitment to good governance goes beyond merely gloating over a reconstructed kilometre of road by the previous administration. More so, he saw no reason to be wild about an Omisore’s candidacy.

    The PDP leader, therefore endorsed Governor Aregbesola’s continuation in office, saying: “You don’t change a winning team”. He made the endorsement on Saturday, April 5, at the 15th edition of the Walk-to-Live in Ipetumodu, Osun State. Walk-to-Live is a monthly physical exercise that involves trekking of at least, eight kilometres by interested citizens of the state after which a round of various other physical exercises follow to ensure that the citizens remain physically fit and mentally alert.

    The programme – in no small dimension – appears the best in closing the gap between the people and the government. Each edition of the programme sees excited citizens who cannot join the usually long and winding procession either staying in front of their houses; climbing topmost parts of their buildings to catch glimpses of the governor, movie actors and actresses and sportsmen who have become regular features of the event.

    Young mothers who cannot stay at home strap their babies to their backs. Physically-challenged persons waddle their ways through the crowd to ensure they complete the ‘race’. Students, market men and women, old and the young want to be part of what they see as an engaging event that help them regain their self-confidence. It is common scene to see excited, ordinary citizens wanting to get handshakes with the governor and other top members of his administration.

    Under the six-point development agenda of the state administration, which he calls “My Pact with Osun”, promotion of healthy living is one. “There can be no healthy living without constant physical exercises.” Ogbeni is always quick to remind his people each time people troop out to partake in what is appearing the biggest platform for mobilizing the people to action in the state.

    Apart from other benefits now accruing from the event such as raising the political consciousness of the people, Governor Aregbesola has never failed to remind enthusiasts at the events on monthly basis that “Walk-to-live exercise was introduced because we realised that we have all forgotten the need to physically exercise ourselves. We are highly sedentary and socially wild; we must compliment this with engaging in physical exercise. Osun is promoting Walk-to-Live to ensure that we have a healthy people in a healthy state.”

    This was what attracted the sport-loving former governor of Abia State to Osun that led to his endorsement of the governor of the state. He would later enthuse: “I am a statesman and PDP man. I made a promise a month ago to honour this Walk to Live event. Omisore is a personal friend of mine. Aregbesola is my friend as well. Governor Aregbesola has worked for the people of Osun. You don’t need to change a winning team. I also wish to express my support for our President, He is trying. Let’s pray for President Jonathan and let’s pray for Aregbesola.”

    He would also add: “I want to thank the Governor for making today’s Walk Exercise in a way I have never done before. Governor Aregbesola has done well. I am not here on party basis. II am a bona fide member of my Party (PDP) …When someone has worked, we should learn to recognise performance in Nigeria. Governor Aregbesola has worked. There are few governors that can walk as we have walked today, without pure water being thrown at them. If what I have seen today is a test of popularity, then Aregbesola is indeed popular.”

    Dr Kalu has engraved his name in gold as one individual who turned his back on inconsistent characters with moral deficits within the same political party to pitch his tent with a progressive candidate who can deliver the goods to the people – just the same way General Colin Powell broke with Republican Party to endorse Barack Obama’s presidency.

    But when twinned with the partisan blindness in Nigeria political orientation, his endorsement of Aregbesola does reflect a significant shift. Kalu studiously spoke the minds of Osun citizens after several years of inelegant style of governance and outright despondency.

    It’s obvious that the people have been delivered from the grip of an administration and a political party that has little or no socio-political and economic direction for them. Being permanently welded to acidic politics of bloodletting cannot change the people of Osun’s resolve to remain on the part of change. That is what Orji Kalu’s endorsement of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for continuity in office is about.

     

    • Ikhide wrote in from Lagos, Nigeria.

  • TA Orji: Much ado about senatorial endorsement

    Ahead of the 2015 general elections, the political atmosphere across the country is becoming tense. Politicians are busy jostling for political relevance and are already doing everything possible to run down anybody who poses a possible threat to their ambitions. Already manifesting in this direction was the recent media attacks and campaign of calumny by some politicians and cynics against Abia State governor, Chief Theodore Orji and his family members, after he was reportedly adopted by major stakeholders in Abia Central senatorial district as PDP consensus senatorial candidate for 2015.

    One of such critics is one Chuks Akamadu who in his article in one of the national dailies recently launched an attack on the governor and his family. Instead of dwelling on issues, legalities and facts concerning the endorsement of the governor, Akamadu took on the governor’s wife, Mercy Odochi Orji, and son, Chinedum Orji levelling all sorts of unfounded allegations against them. More of such frivolous and malicious attacks sponsored against the governor by those envious of his personal success as a renowned technocrat are expected in the days ahead. This is against the background of his achievements, rising political profile and endorsement by various groups in his zone.

    The truth is that Governor Orji is not the only governor that has come under such orchestrated attacks in the media ahead of the 2015 general elections. His Akwa Ibom and Delta states counterparts, Godswill Akpabio and Emmanuel Uduaghan are being attacked in the media by some forces in their respective states for legally nursing senatorial ambition in 2015. It is quite clear that the forces behind the attacks are failed politicians who have lost relevance and touch with their people, while still living in delusion that election could be contested and won on the pages of newspapers. No wonder they have not advanced any superior arguments backed by any constitutional provision to buttress their reasons for being against the senatorial ambitions of these governors. Sincerely and legally, every Nigerian knows that there is nothing absolutely wrong in Orji’s endorsement by groups in his zone.

    Instead, the endorsement should been seen as true manifestation and confirmation of his wider acceptance by his people because of his performance and track record right from his days in public service till date. After all, how many politicians today, including Governor Orji’s contemporaries, had enjoyed such early endorsement and pressure from their people to contest for senatorial seat in 2015? Some of those who tried their luck at the polls in the past against the people’s wishes were rejected by the people. The likes of Akamadu should kindly advise his paymasters to brace up for the challenges ahead by trying their luck at the polls in 2015, instead of engaging in cheap blackmail and campaign of calumny against possible contenders or potential winners. There is no doubt that such exercise will surely end up in futility in 2015 because the gimmick is not new to Nigerians especially the people of Abia State. Despite media propaganda by some failed politicians in Abia State to run Governor Orji and his family down, the people will definitely speak through their votes at polls and not on the pages of the newspaper when the time comes.

    On Akamadu’s attacks on the governor’s wife, Mercy Odochi Orji (Osinulo), it is a calculated attempt to rubbish the integrity and personality of the woman of substance for no just cause. Mrs. Orji unlike got married to Governor Orji when he was in secondary school. Like Siamese twins, they grew together, bore children and have built a united family blessed today with humble and dedicated children and grand children. Since his husband assumed office as governor of Abia in 2007, she has been a major pillar behind her husband’s success in all direction. She is and has always been there as a wife, mother and comforter, because the governor, being the only child of his parents has no other person, except his immediate family. That has been the common bond binding the family together from inception, and it has not changed.

    As the first lady of the state, Mrs. Orji has been quietly touching the lives of the less privileged ones in the state, especially the widows whom she has been putting shelters on their heads. That was not case in the state before Orji came into office.

    Also, their son, Chinedum Orji, a first class graduate of Engineering is an example of a good and well-trained son who has never allowed himself to be carried away by his father’s position. Apart from his generous support to the non-governmental organisation, Ochendo Youth Foundation that collaborate with the state government and other public spirited individuals and organisations to empower the teeming unemployed youths in the state, he has no direct or indirect involvement in the business of governance in the state. This is because the governor has always drawn a line between family and business of governance even if there is nothing wrong or illegal in appointing his son as a government functionary in his government. After all, heaven has not fallen in Plateau State since August 2011 when Governor Jonah Jang appointed his son Yakubu Jang as Special assistant on Special Duties, a position he is still occupying till today. After serving as governor of Yobe State for eight years, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim and his wife have been in National Assembly since 2007 till date. The people of the Yobe and Plateau have not taken to the streets for that and they have not been sponsoring spurious media attacks against Jang or Abba Ibrahim.

    Akamadu’s postulation in the article that the present government in Abia is a family affair is therefore a barefaced lie because the government unlike the immediate past one is not only accessible and people-oriented, it is transparent and accountable to the people of the state. For sure, the government is not under probe by any anti-graft agencies; neither Orji, his wife, son nor any member of his family is under investigation for any alleged criminal or civil offence. Those who tried to drag their family name in the mud before now under any guise have always been exposed and shamed. Those unsettled or worried by Orji’ senatorial endorsement should do the needful by getting ready to challenge him at the poll if he accepts to run instead of lazily casting aspersion on his government and family members on the pages of newspapers.

     

    • Dr. Uwa, a medical practitioner wrote from Aba, Abia State

  • Group rejects Mark’s endorsement of candidate

    A group, the Coalition of Youths across Political Parties in Benue State, has rejected an alleged endorsement of a lawmaker, Hassan Saleh, by Senate President David Mark, to run for re-election to represent the Ado, Ogbadibo and Okpokwu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    It said the manner the endorsement was carried out was not only undemocratic, but also anti-people.

    The group noted that critical stakeholders, who have invested and nurtured the Idoma political space for decades, were not carried along.

    A statement by the group’s President Thomas Oduh and Secretary Pascal Unogwu condemned and rejected the endorsement, if it ever happened.

    “SenatorDavid Mark and Mr. Abba Morro’s endorsement of Hassan Saleh in Otukpo, which is outside our federal constituency, is not only a slap but also an insult on the good people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.

    “The purported endorsement does not have the blessing of our people, the constituency Hassan Saleh represents or intends to represent further in 2015.

    “Democracy is not like military dictatorship, and our leaders must learn this fast by embarking on wide consultations before making any move that touches the politics of a people.

    “Saleh should know by now that majority of the people of his federal constituency are courageous and honorable and will abide by the agreement reached in 2010… that beginning from 2011, the seat of House of Representatives would be rotational among the three local governments on a single term basis…”

     

     

     

     

  • 2015: My endorsement is call for more service, says Amosun

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said his endorsement as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) standard-bearer in the 2015 governorship poll by the 20 local government chairmen is a call for “more service and commitment to the people”.

    Amosun, who spoke in Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office after receiving a communiqué from the Chairman of the 20 Local Government Party Chairmen (ACN), Mr. Olalekan Adegun, said the support of the Ogun State people should not be taken for granted, hence the resolve to serve them.

    The governor said with quality governance and service to the people, which the administration has been delivering through the five-cardinal programmes, namely education, agriculture, healthcare, industrialisation and infrastructural developments in the last two years, the work of the party would be easier when it goes back to the electorate in 2015 for votes.

    He said there is nothing stopping interested persons, irrespective of their political parties, from joining the race when the time comes, adding that the performance of the ACN administration in the state would make things easier.

    Governor Amosun added: “It (endorsement) is a call to serve more. It will make me work more and make our party’s job very easy. If we succeed in the parameters we have set for ourselves, who is it that is going to come and campaign? We are here to do things differently and positively.”

    Reading the communiqué to Governor Amosun at the event attended by 18 of the 20 chairmen, the Secretary, Mr. Sunday Akinyemi, listed the governor’s achievements as creation of over 10,000 jobs, restoration of security of life and property, improved welfare for the state workforce, potable water supply, among others.

  • Ajimobi: Endorsement for ‘son of soil’

    Ajimobi: Endorsement for ‘son of soil’

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were recently installed as the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, shortly after the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the stakeholders. BISI OLADELE examines the political significance of the historic ceremony.

     

    It was a carnival-like ceremony in the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were the cynosure of all eyes. They were conferred with the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the paramount ruler, Oba Samuel Odulana. The implication of the conferement was not lost on the politicians and political observers.

    Like most governors, Ajimobi had promised on May 29, 2011 that he would restore the glory of the Pace Setter State. However, not many took him seriously as the citizens had grown weary of many of such unfulfilled promises.

    But two years on, the governor has proved to all and sundry that he meant what he said at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, where a large crowd witnessed his inauguration as the governor.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Are Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Kola Daisi, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), traditional rulers and leaders of thought in the state. Also at the ceremony were Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos State), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun). The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leaders, including the national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and ChiefOlusegun Osoba also witnessed the occasion.

    Ajimobi is a proud son of Ibadanland. To many people, the ceremony marked the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the Ibadan indigenes by his kinsmen.

    The governor said that he accepted the honour because Oba Odulana is not given to frivolous conferrment of titles on undeserving individuals. He said the honour was based on the monarch’s objective assessment of his performance as the governor in the last two years.

    “We are all very proud of the Olubadan of Ibadan land,’’ the governor said, adding that he had been offered several chieftaincy titles, which he had turned down.

    “But I have no choice than to accept this honour, coming from the highly revered royal father, the Olubadan. I know that he doesn’t just dole out chieftaincy titles anyhow. He is a man of no mean achievement and he is highly principled. He has done us, the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, proud. I am, therefore, very pleased with the titles,’’ he said.

    Ajimobi said that he was also pleased to be recognised by his kinsmen for his outstanding achievements, since he became the governor two years ago.

    “Ibadan people are very tough. They are not given to frivolities. If they deem it fit to honour you, you should know that you are really worth it,’’ he added, thanking the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Ibadan Elders’ Forum for their usual support.

    The governor pledged that the honour would further spur him into performing more than before in his quest for the socio-economic development.

    All the Ibadan traditional high chiefs who were present at the occasion, took turns to eulogise the governor, who they said, had done Ibadan proud through his outstanding performance.

    Though a traditional honour, the development has far-reaching implications for 2015.

    The popular cry during the tenure of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was for an Ibadan indigene to return to the Agodi Government House. When Ajimobi was elected, Ibadan elders and people voted for him. He garnered the highest votes, from the city. Thus, their expectations was met. The governor has largely worked hard to justify the confidence reposed on him. The political implication of this is that Ajimobi and the ACN can count on their traditional support. By the feat accomplished so far, the governor has also won many more people to his side as the towns and cities are looking far better than he met them in 2011.

    Oba Odulana is a highly principled monarch, who has been speaking the truth to power and, in mild terms, has not been generous in giving titles to people, particularly, undeserving individuals. Therefore, that the honour came from him largely implies that Ajimobi’s achievements are recognised in high places as real and outstanding. This reduces the chances of other politicians and parties to warm themselves into the hearts of the people, particularly, in Ibadan and other major towns.

    The major opposition figure in the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is a member of the Olubadan-in-Council. That this title of Atunluse (Agent of change) came from the palace means that he (Ladoja) may have a weak following in the highest traditional council in Ibadanland.

    The honour came only two years into the four-year term, meaning that Ajimobi still has more than ample time to warm himself and his party into the heart of the people.

     

    Some of his feats

     

    When he was sworn in as the governor on May 29, 2011, Governor Ajimobi clearly spelt out his vision to transform the state. He marshaled his transformation, restoration and reformation agenda with gusto. But many did not see the agenda as anything unique because of previous disappointment.

    Though many rejoiced at a new regime that was expected to end the reign of thuggery, brigandage and lack-lustre performance, the hope of a true transformation was low among residents as the state had long earned for itself a negative image that almost made Nigerians believe that it does not have talented leaders to rebuild the state, which was almost in ruins.

    For the first three months, Ajimobi and his team did not come up with any major project other than the ban the violent commercial drivers’ union as well as the weekly environmental sanitation aimed at reducing filt and dirts. The situation -led to the the characterisation of Ibadan as the most violent and the dirtiest city in Nigeria.

    But from September to December, 2011, Ajimobi changed the fortune of several commercial motorcyclists by offering them tricycles. He also facilitated the establishment of an assembly plant for tricycle manufacturing in Ibadan, to serve the needs of the state and other Southwest states.

    This was followed by the construction of a flyover at Mokola Roundabout, a notorious traffic gridlock spot at the gateway to the Ibadan Central Business District. The bridge, which is due for commissioning this month, has opened up the business district to all the stakeholders, adding more value to the worth of properties in the area and the beauty of Mokola and its environs.

    He introduced a novel healthcare system dubbed: “Oyo Free Health Mission” towards the end of the year, which saw over 60,000 residents across the state treated free by foreign and local medics. In 2012 over 130,000 patients benefitted from the programme.

    That was in addition to the distribution of free exercise books to public school pupils across the state and the reduction of school fees by 50 per cent in state-owned tertiary institutions.

    Ajimobi employed of 20,000 youths into the Youths Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State dubbed: “YES-O.” From the 33 local governments that make up the state, beneficiaries, who are largely graduates, thronged the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), for community service in the environment, transport, education, health and other sectors of the economy.

    Several roads and bridges, washed away by the fatal August 26, 2011 flood, were either rebuilt or renovated.

    The civil servants for the first time, received a full 13th month salary for Christmas.

    In 2012 Ajimobi and his team started made impact in traffic control, road maintenance, improvement on physical infrastructures in schools, and beautification of cities.

    The first quarter of the year looked dull with no major projects. Then, criticisms trailed the administration. It became a popular saying that Ajimobi was slow. The seeming lull created a gap between the high expectation of residents from an initial “Active Governor” and the reality of the need for proper planning.

    But the second quarter ushered in a new regime of beautification. The governor gave teeth to his long dream of changing the landscape of Ibadan and other towns. To achieve this, many shops with unapproved plans and those standing on water channels and roads had to go.

    With bulldozers pulling down illegal structures, many residents embarked on a campaign of calmuny to discourage the governor from accomplishing his aim. Ajimobi did not bulge. He remained resolute, explaining to all who cared to listen that things must change for a true city to emerge.

    Within one year of landscaping, installation of modern facilities and strict observance to urban planning regulations, the outlook of Ibadan and other towns have changed.

    In the health sector, the administration is currently renovating the hitherto derelict State Hospital, Adeo yo, Ring Road with over N800 million. This is aimed at bringing it up to international standards. He launched the ambulances earlier in the year, thereby improving access of residents in remote communities to healthcare. It equally offered prompt response to road accident victims in Ibadan. The ambulance services are being expanded to all the 33 local governments.

    In the education sector, the Ajimobi Administration has renovated many blocks of classrooms, resuscitated running grants, approved the promotion to the highest cadre in the civil service for teachers and offered free extra-mural classes to final year pupils. This led to improved performance of students in the WAEC and NECO examinatiins last year. Recently, the administration presented a N100 million scholarship to students who are indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions. The gesture is coming 28 years after scholarships were last awarded in the state.

    The Ajimobi Administration now has many 32-seater buses conveying workers to and from the secretariat free of charge. Other commuters within Ibadan are also been enjoying free ride in many routes.

    The era of labouring in vain for Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) and other land documents is over. The C of O is now processed transparently within 60 days of application and land resource is offered to investors with generous discounts.

    In agriculture, the administration has resuscitated the school agriculture project, increased seedling supply, registered the farmers for effective distribution of facilities and improved on the management of agricultural practices.

    But the housing, physical planning and urban renewal projects seem to have made the most visible impact. In Ibadan, three massive neighbourhood markets would be commissioned this month. A modern motor park along the new Ife Road was commissioned earlier in the year to move commercial vehicles from Iwo Road intervhange.

    The establishments of two new GRAs in Akinyele and NIHORT has also received applause.

    Two major marks of these projects are their high quality and taste. Being an urbane person, Ajimobi has proved, within two years, that a new Oyo State is not only desirable, but possible with the right leader. He has also proved that the problem of Nigeria is that of leadership and that when leaders have the right vision, the political will and the determination to attain their laudable goals, Nigerians will suddenly become law-abiding and good followers.

     

  • Ajimobi: Endorsement for ‘son of soil’

    Ajimobi: Endorsement for ‘son of soil’

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were recently installed as the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, shortly after the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the stakeholders. BISI OLADELE examines the political significance of the historic ceremony.

     

    It was a carnival-like ceremony in the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were the cynosure of all eyes. They were conferred with the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the paramount ruler, Oba Samuel Odulana. The implication of the conferement was not lost on the politicians and political observers.

    Like most governors, Ajimobi had promised on May 29, 2011 that he would restore the glory of the Pace Setter State. However, not many took him seriously as the citizens had grown weary of many of such unfulfilled promises.

    But two years on, the governor has proved to all and sundry that he meant what he said at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, where a large crowd witnessed his inauguration as the governor.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Are Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Kola Daisi, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), traditional rulers and leaders of thought in the state. Also at the ceremony were Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos State), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun). The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leaders, including the national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and ChiefOlusegun Osoba also witnessed the occasion.

    Ajimobi is a proud son of Ibadanland. To many people, the ceremony marked the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the Ibadan indigenes by his kinsmen.

    The governor said that he accepted the honour because Oba Odulana is not given to frivolous conferrment of titles on undeserving individuals. He said the honour was based on the monarch’s objective assessment of his performance as the governor in the last two years.

    “We are all very proud of the Olubadan of Ibadan land,’’ the governor said, adding that he had been offered several chieftaincy titles, which he had turned down.

    “But I have no choice than to accept this honour, coming from the highly revered royal father, the Olubadan. I know that he doesn’t just dole out chieftaincy titles anyhow. He is a man of no mean achievement and he is highly principled. He has done us, the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, proud. I am, therefore, very pleased with the titles,’’ he said.

    Ajimobi said that he was also pleased to be recognised by his kinsmen for his outstanding achievements, since he became the governor two years ago.

    “Ibadan people are very tough. They are not given to frivolities. If they deem it fit to honour you, you should know that you are really worth it,’’ he added, thanking the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Ibadan Elders’ Forum for their usual support.

    The governor pledged that the honour would further spur him into performing more than before in his quest for the socio-economic development.

    All the Ibadan traditional high chiefs who were present at the occasion, took turns to eulogise the governor, who they said, had done Ibadan proud through his outstanding performance.

    Though a traditional honour, the development has far-reaching implications for 2015.

    The popular cry during the tenure of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was for an Ibadan indigene to return to the Agodi Government House. When Ajimobi was elected, Ibadan elders and people voted for him. He garnered the highest votes, from the city. Thus, their expectations was met. The governor has largely worked hard to justify the confidence reposed on him. The political implication of this is that Ajimobi and the ACN can count on their traditional support. By the feat accomplished so far, the governor has also won many more people to his side as the towns and cities are looking far better than he met them in 2011.

    Oba Odulana is a highly principled monarch, who has been speaking the truth to power and, in mild terms, has not been generous in giving titles to people, particularly, undeserving individuals. Therefore, that the honour came from him largely implies that Ajimobi’s achievements are recognised in high places as real and outstanding. This reduces the chances of other politicians and parties to warm themselves into the hearts of the people, particularly, in Ibadan and other major towns.

    The major opposition figure in the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is a member of the Olubadan-in-Council. That this title of Atunluse (Agent of change) came from the palace means that he (Ladoja) may have a weak following in the highest traditional council in Ibadanland.

    The honour came only two years into the four-year term, meaning that Ajimobi still has more than ample time to warm himself and his party into the heart of the people.

     

    Some of his feats

     

    When he was sworn in as the governor on May 29, 2011, Governor Ajimobi clearly spelt out his vision to transform the state. He marshaled his transformation, restoration and reformation agenda with gusto. But many did not see the agenda as anything unique because of previous disappointment.

    Though many rejoiced at a new regime that was expected to end the reign of thuggery, brigandage and lack-lustre performance, the hope of a true transformation was low among residents as the state had long earned for itself a negative image that almost made Nigerians believe that it does not have talented leaders to rebuild the state, which was almost in ruins.

    For the first three months, Ajimobi and his team did not come up with any major project other than the ban the violent commercial drivers’ union as well as the weekly environmental sanitation aimed at reducing filt and dirts. The situation -led to the the characterisation of Ibadan as the most violent and the dirtiest city in Nigeria.

    But from September to December, 2011, Ajimobi changed the fortune of several commercial motorcyclists by offering them tricycles. He also facilitated the establishment of an assembly plant for tricycle manufacturing in Ibadan, to serve the needs of the state and other Southwest states.

    This was followed by the construction of a flyover at Mokola Roundabout, a notorious traffic gridlock spot at the gateway to the Ibadan Central Business District. The bridge, which is due for commissioning this month, has opened up the business district to all the stakeholders, adding more value to the worth of properties in the area and the beauty of Mokola and its environs.

    He introduced a novel healthcare system dubbed: “Oyo Free Health Mission” towards the end of the year, which saw over 60,000 residents across the state treated free by foreign and local medics. In 2012 over 130,000 patients benefitted from the programme.

    That was in addition to the distribution of free exercise books to public school pupils across the state and the reduction of school fees by 50 per cent in state-owned tertiary institutions.

    Ajimobi employed of 20,000 youths into the Youths Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State dubbed: “YES-O.” From the 33 local governments that make up the state, beneficiaries, who are largely graduates, thronged the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), for community service in the environment, transport, education, health and other sectors of the economy.

    Several roads and bridges, washed away by the fatal August 26, 2011 flood, were either rebuilt or renovated.

    The civil servants for the first time, received a full 13th month salary for Christmas.

    In 2012 Ajimobi and his team started made impact in traffic control, road maintenance, improvement on physical infrastructures in schools, and beautification of cities.

    The first quarter of the year looked dull with no major projects. Then, criticisms trailed the administration. It became a popular saying that Ajimobi was slow. The seeming lull created a gap between the high expectation of residents from an initial “Active Governor” and the reality of the need for proper planning.

    But the second quarter ushered in a new regime of beautification. The governor gave teeth to his long dream of changing the landscape of Ibadan and other towns. To achieve this, many shops with unapproved plans and those standing on water channels and roads had to go.

    With bulldozers pulling down illegal structures, many residents embarked on a campaign of calmuny to discourage the governor from accomplishing his aim. Ajimobi did not bulge. He remained resolute, explaining to all who cared to listen that things must change for a true city to emerge.

    Within one year of landscaping, installation of modern facilities and strict observance to urban planning regulations, the outlook of Ibadan and other towns have changed.

    In the health sector, the administration is currently renovating the hitherto derelict State Hospital, Adeoyo, Ring Road with over N800 million. This is aimed at bringing it up to international standards. He launched the ambulances earlier in the year, thereby improving access of residents in remote communities to healthcare. It equally offered prompt response to road accident victims in Ibadan. The ambulance services are being expanded to all the 33 local governments.

    In the education sector, the Ajimobi Administration has renovated many blocks of classrooms, resuscitated running grants, approved the promotion to the highest cadre in the civil service for teachers and offered free extra-mural classes to final year pupils. This led to improved performance of students in the WAEC and NECO examinatiins last year. Recently, the administration presented a N100 million scholarship to students who are indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions. The gesture is coming 28 years after scholarships were last awarded in the state.

    The Ajimobi Administration now has many 32-seater buses conveying workers to and from the secretariat free of charge. Other commuters within Ibadan are also been enjoying free ride in many routes.

    The era of labouring in vain for Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) and other land documents is over. The C of O is now processed transparently within 60 days of application and land resource is offered to investors with generous discounts.

    In agriculture, the administration has resuscitated the school agriculture project, increased seedling supply, registered the farmers for effective distribution of facilities and improved on the management of agricultural practices.

    But the housing, physical planning and urban renewal projects seem to have made the most visible impact. In Ibadan, three massive neighbourhood markets would be commissioned this month. A modern motor park along the new Ife Road was commissioned earlier in the year to move commercial vehicles from Iwo Road intervhange.

    The establishments of two new GRAs in Akinyele and NIHORT has also received applause.

    Two major marks of these projects are their high quality and taste. Being an urbane person, Ajimobi has proved, within two years, that a new Oyo State is not only desirable, but possible with the right leader. He has also proved that the problem of Nigeria is that of leadership and that when leaders have the right vision, the political will and the determination to attain their laudable goals, Nigerians will suddenly become law-abiding and good followers.

     

     

  • ‘Endorsement not subject to debate’

    The member representing Oye/Ikole-Ekiti Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, has said the endorsement of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi for a second term is not subject to debate.

    He said the decision lies with the people.

    Daramola spoke in Ayebode-Ekiti while inaugurating a government-owned health centre he renovated for the community.

    He said: “Residents and indigenes, who are the primary beneficiaries of the governor’s genuine development efforts, have certified him qualified for the 2014 poll.

    “It is unfair for any opposition to think of stopping Fayemi from running for another term. Federal lawmakers and professionals in various fields will continue to support him for making us proud.

    “If Fayemi refuses to go for another term (God forbid), the victims of that decision would not be Fayemi, me or any political office holder. The victims would be the masses. Who ever seeks to stop Fayemi and his development strides is not opposing Fayemi, but is the enemy of the people and the state.”

    Yesterday, about 177 aspiring councillors of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Council Assistants to the governor backed the calls for Fayemi’s re-election.

    At a meeting at the Cultural Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, they urged Fayemi to “submit himself for another term of service to the people”.

  • Lawmaker: Fayemi’s endorsement won’t stop other candidates

    A House of Representatives’ member, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday said the endorsement of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi by a section of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) does not prevent other members from contesting the party’s governorship primary.

    Bamidele averred that the endorsement, which he said he did not abhor, was a “mere expression of opinion” and is allowed by democracy.

    He urged Ekiti people to discountenance the publication that he was not interested in the 2014 governorship election and the rumour that he had defected to the Labour Party (LP).

    The Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research described the rumour as the handiwork of his detractors aimed at denigrating his political career.

    In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Ahmed Salami, Bamidele said the endorsement of an incumbent governor was normal in politics and does not stop other party members from aspiring for the seat.

    He said any endorsement at the ward, local and state levels must be ratified by the party’s National leaders before it becomes binding on members.

    Bamidele said: “Fayemi’s endorsement by a section of our party is a step that is allowed in politics, but other members can still show interest in the position.

    “ACN is not a lawless party. It believes in the rule of law and democratic tenets, so I am confident that the rules will be followed strictly in this circumstance.

    “The Electoral Act has made things very easy for parties. It states that candidates can emerge through consensus or endorsement, but when there are dissenting opinions, a primary election would be conducted.”

  • Ondo CPC blasts Bakare over endorsement of Mimiko

    Ondo CPC blasts Bakare over endorsement of Mimiko

    The Ondo State chapter of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has berated the Senior Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly and Vice-Presidential candidate of the party in the 2011 general elections, Pastor Tunde Bakare, for endorsing the second term bid of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

    In a statement issued yesterday, the party said Bakare’s opinion contradicts the views of the majority of the people of the state, including the party’s members, “who are longing to be freed from the reckless and rudderless government that has presided over the affairs of the state in the last three and a half years.”

    The statement signed by the Director- General of the party’s governorship candidate, Soji Ehinlanwo Campaign Organisation (SECO), Yomi Adetimehin, noted that the endorsement of Mimiko by Bakare reflected a detachment from the realities in Ondo.

    It said, ‘’From Akoko to Ondo to Ilaje, most people wonder where the vast portion of the huge allocation of over N600 billion from the federation account to the state has gone in view of what is actually on the ground.

    “We are inclined to also wonder whether the endorsement given by the Pastor takes into account that many in Ondo State are embarrassed by the recklessness that has now come to be associated with OSOPADEC and which is even a subject of investigation by the EFCC.

    “Out of a huge total of over N61 billion that has accrued to the commission in the last three and a half years, no one conversant with the mandate areas of this commission can say he has seen any evidence of even one billion naira spent in the specified areas.

    “Like many in the mandate areas who have therefore been short-changed by the mega looting at this commission under the watch of the incumbent governor, we find disappointing such endorsement of an individual that has so blatantly underperformed and betrayed the trust of the people

    “After three and a half years, many of the industries in Ondo State remain moribund in spite of initial promises by the governor to resuscitate them. Oluwa Glass, Okitipupa Oil Pam Company, NIROWI, IFON Ceramics etc have all been neglected.

    “In addition, there has been lacking a clear vision to stimulate small and medium scale enterprises able to provide jobs for the teeming array of unemployed youths in Ondo State.

    “The result is that after over three and a half years, the ranks of the unemployed in Ondo State are growing and we have a government without a clear and effective response to the problem.

    “How the head of such an obviously under- performing government can be endorsed by anyone is beyond our imagination and that of millions of Ondo indigenes who are on ground.”

  • Ebinotopsy and mockery of endorsement

    Ebinotopsy and mockery of endorsement

    The Yoruba nation is rich in cultural values and tradition. In the land, there is a saying that until you show me your friend, then your true character can be predicted. That aphorism is time tested. Ditto the one that says birds of a feather flock together. When l was very young, Ebenezer Babatope used to be very radical and one of the models most of my peers looked up to.

    The inspiration given to the young folks of my age group by the man popularly referred to as Ebinotopsywas then a consequence of his once-upon-a-time radical ideological inclination and that of his long abandoned progressives club led by Papa Obafemi Awolowo that he identified with. Ebino did not only make name, he was also influential in then progressives’ camp of Awo as Director of Organisation of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

    The late sage was gracious enough to sponsor him abroad to go and study law as a form of compensation. All these are necessary to give an adumbrated background to younger folks that may not be conversant with what used to be the lofty antecedent of Ebinotopsy. And to later bring out the contradiction in the role he currently plays in national and especially southwest politics. Sadly, Babatope’s turn coat could be likened to that of the Biblical Saul who began with God but ended up with sorcerers. It is sad to note that an apostle of the politically revered Obafemi Awolowo later in life infamously moved the motion that led to the transmutation agenda of the notorious General Sani Abacha as the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) Presidential candidate. Worse still, he unbelievably is being allowed to use Awo’s newspaper (Nigerian Tribune) to propagate conservative ideas. What would the sage be thinking in his grave today?

    In his usual ‘bread and butter approach’ to politics since his turncoat, Ebinotopsyin his column titled: ‘’The imminent electoral battle in Ondo” published in the Nigerian Tribune, went all out to declare his unfounded support for Mimiko but fell short of handing him INEC’s Certificate of Return for another term before the election. Of course, he does not have the power to do this and this makes his endorsement meaningless!

    It was Babatope at its impishly pretentious best when he declared that it was the ‘’Awo spirit” in him that goaded him to ‘’advise the people of Ondo State to vote for Governor Mimiko at the elections.” The truth is that there is no left-over of Awoism in this man that is full of contradictions and penchant for doing what Awo will never do in his life time. Will Awo have declared support for any candidate no matter how good, outside the Action Group and later UPN? Whatever one does, ought to be done very well. Let us assume that defector Babatope is now an ardent conservative and to use his words that he now ‘’religiously belong to the PDP”, what political or moral sense is in his openly declaring support for Mimiko at the expense of Sola Oke, his party’s preferred candidate?

    Awo in his life time was averse to anti-party activities because he believed in party supremacy. Where is the Awo legacy in this man that still goes around pretending to be an Awoist? Babatope has been dumped by the progressives and l think even the PDP should no longer trust this bread and butter politician, apologies to The Nation newspapers cartoonist, Mooyiwa, that rightly depicted him as such.

    What is the empirical basis of Babatope’s support for Mimiko that now warrants the emergency exhuming of his blood consanguinity with Ondo state? He manifested the ulterior motive behind his spurious endorsement of Mimiko when in his double standard, he admitted that he could attest to the achievements of Olusegun Agagu as governor and even confessed that one of the major achievements of Agagu’s administration was his commencement of the ‘’bridge connecting Okitipupa to the riverine areas of Ondo.” On the other hand, he claimed to be sad that Mimiko government has abandoned that project and rather than scold Mimiko for proclivity for abandoning projects, he mischievously recommended ‘’strongly” that the current governor should complete the bridge in ‘’its second coming.” Perhaps, Babatope must be asked on what ground of performance assessment he was calling Ondo people to return Mimiko for second term. Yours sincerely was in Ondo State recently and could not honestly see anything on ground, especially in Akure, the state capital to qualify Mimiko for a second term in office.

    Ebinitopsy tried futilely to debunk insinuations that his endorsement must have been induced by Mimiko when he said ‘’Let me state it here in all humility that l have never sat with Mimiko discussing politics since the coming of this republic in 1999” even while inadvertently admitting that ‘’I know him well…” It is pertinent to put it to my learned colleague to tell the whole world what other ‘’things” he got or discussed with Mimiko in their previous meetings to warrant his wild endorsement of the man. He should tell us what manner of handshake makes him squeal like that.

    This is why the public is wary of his loud dubious assertion in favour of Mimiko that ‘’one good term certainly deserves another.” I put it to him that one bad turn deserves rejection. Even if he wants his cloudy reciprocity agenda by PDP to Mimiko’s Labour Party to workout, his party should not have fielded a candidate for the October 20 elections. The emergence of Segun Oke as the state’s PDP gubernatorial candidate should have silenced people like Babatope and his ilk from undermining the local Ondo PDP in their pursuit of selfish agenda.

    If historical antecedent is anything to go by, were Awo to be alive today, he would have formed a party that majority of Yoruba would be members. After his death, the closest to what the man wanted, though a military creation, was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that had the likes of MKO Abiola and other progressives in its fold. Later other progressive parties like the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the Action Congress (AC) that was not too long renamed the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) emerged in quick succession. Babatope in good conscience cannot say that Awo would have joined PDP today for whatever reason if he was alive. On the balance of probability, Awo would have joined ACN, whatever its shortcoming, were he to be alive. Why didn’t Babatope team up with ACN to make the southwest great again after years of desecration by PDP holocausts led by ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo who does everything to denigrate the Awo legacy?

    His unfounded fears that ‘’it is dangerous to allow the ACN to win an oil producing state in the southwest geo-political zone” is bereft of reason. What are his parameters for arriving at that warped and sadistic conclusion? Ebinotopsy is carrying partisanship to the extreme as it shows that the likes of Babatope in the PDP will do anything to rig against ACN, even if the people voted for the party. That is more dangerous than his fears. In Yoruba land, the likes of Babatope are long forgotten in the respected political leadership hierarchy of the southwest. Yoruba nation gives no significance to deserter Awoist like Babatope that has long been discredited for promoting military notoriety at a time we were all trying to entrench democratic values. His endorsement of Mimiko is a confirmation of the saying; birds of a feather flock together.